Gettysburg Battlefield

History: The battle that occurred here on July 1-3, 1863, cost approximately 50,000 men killed, wounded, or missing. Three days after it began, the defeated Confederates began retreating through Maryland, retracing their steps to the Potomac River and crossing into Virginia on July 14. The heroism displayed at this site was immortalized on November 19, 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln issued "The Gettysburg Address" here.

More to Explore: The battlefield and its surrounding areas are now a National Military Park. There are many historical monuments to see, horseback riding trails, and an exceptional museum and visitor center. The town of Gettysburg hosts many tourists, and so there are restaurants aplenty, along with souvenir shops, lodging, and other local merchants. There are occasional reenactments of the battle held here as well, which are a great activity to consider when planning your trip!

Photo Credits:

1. " Artist’s rendition of the clash between Union and Confederate forces at the Battle of Gettysburg."
2. “Print showing a bird’s eye view of the Battle of Gettysburg.”
3. “Pencil drawing of Longstreet’s attack upon the left center of the Union lines.”
4. “Photograph of battered trees on Culp’s Hill at the Battle of Gettysburg.” Prints courtesy of Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.